Final answer:
Preachers are good at sermons according to Augustine when they have a deep understanding of Christian doctrine, particularly the concepts of divine grace and human free will. Augustine also believed that spiritual preparedness is more vital than worldly wisdom, and his teachings provide material on important issues like morality and the nature of time.
Step-by-step explanation:
According to Augustine of Hippo, preachers are effective in delivering sermons when they truly understand and embody the Christian doctrine that they preach. Augustine emphasized the importance of divine grace and the goodness of God's creation despite the presence of what appears to be evil. Acknowledging the complexities of free will, Augustine argued that, while human freedom exists, it is divine grace that ultimately enables people to choose the good and resist sin. In his view, preachers who grasp these theological nuances can articulate them in a way that appeals to both the intellect and the spirit of their congregations, thus delivering powerful sermons with lasting impact.
In Augustine's works, like The City of God, he sought to reassure Christians during tumultuous times by distinguishing between the transitory nature of earthly kingdoms and the enduring Kingdom of God. By understanding Augustine's perspective on these matters, preachers could effectively convey the hope and stability offered by the Christian faith amidst societal upheaval. His teachings on the integration of faith with knowledge also provide preachers with a framework to address complex moral and philosophical questions from the pulpit, enhancing the quality of their sermons.
Augustine's contention that learning and eloquence, while valuable, are ultimately secondary to the spiritual preparation of one's soul, also guides preachers in focusing their sermons on spiritual enlightenment rather than worldly wisdom. His influence extends beyond Christian doctrine, touching on ever-relevant issues such as the nature of time, free will, and morality, thus providing preachers with a rich source of theological and philosophical material for their sermons.